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Known as Puebla of the Angels or Puebla of Zaragoza, Puebla is Mexico's 4th largest city and among the oldest cities in the country. It is one of Mexico's cities that has the best preserved its colonial architecture. Located in a valley flanked by volcanoes, Puebla lies 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Mexico City at an altitude of 2149 meters (7091 feet) above sea level. Puebla's warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, colorful surroundings and distinct colonial history make it a worthwhile destination. Here you will find wonderful crafts, including , the tree of life figurines, bark paper paintings and unique onyx and marble sculptures. These products may be found in the traditional markets and beautiful plazas where artisans sell them. You can also find those items and much more at the traditional markets and beautiful plazas where artisans sell their products. Puebla, a city of gray hewn stone constructions, is Mexico’s fifth largest city. Walking along the streets, you’ll see marvelous facades with lovely iron balconies. In the environs, you’ll find beautiful natural areas where you can do all kinds of outdoor recreational activities.
If you need official tourist information, you would visit these offices:
- Municipal Tourist Information Office Portal Hidalgo 14, Centro Historico (222) 404-5008. You can see the bulletin board outside for information about current events.
- State Tourist Information Office 5 Oriente 3, Centro Historico (222) 777-1519. It has very helpful English-speaking staff.
Attractive places
Cathedral
Puebla's cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, is a treasure of colonial art. Designed by Francisco Becerra, the first stage of construction took place between 1575 and 1618. The initial plans included four corner towers like the cathedral of Valladolid, Spain. |
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The second phase of construction was under the direction of Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza who consecrated the cathedral on April 18, 1649. The main facade, in the sober mannerist style, is made of dark grey quarry stone and was completed in 1664.
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Amparo Museum
houses a wide collection of Prehispanic, Colonial, Modern and Contemporary Mexican art. It is located in the Historic Downtown area of the city of Puebla. |
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| You can visit it in 2 Sur 708, Centro Historico. Tel: (222) 229-3850. |
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Mexican Revolution Museum
This building, which houses the Mexican Revolution Museum, is also known as the Casa de los Hermanos Serdan, (House of the Serdan brothers). The first battle of the Mexican Revolution took place here on November 18, 1910, when the Serdan family was betrayed two days before the planned uprising against President Porfirio Diaz. |
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The house retains the bullet marks from the battle. The museum depicts the life and times of Aquiles Serdán (1877-1910) and his family, and has a room dedicated to the women of the Revolution. It is located in 6 Oriente No. 206. Museum open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
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El Parian Market
The market was established in 1796. Here you will find a wide variety of crafts, including talavera pottery, textiles, clothing, onyx figures and traditional candy. Handicrafts from other states are also available, as well as jewelry and leather-work. You can visit in 6 Norte, corner of 4 Oriente. |
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Plazuela de los Sapos
It has antiques and flea market on Sundays, and is 4 sur between 3 oriente and 7 oriente. Any day of the week you can visit the antique shops along the plaza or enjoy a drink in one of the bars or restaurants. Many of the establishments here have live music in the evenings |
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Cholula
Cholula, located just six miles (10 km) outside of Puebla, is characterized by its catholic temples, built over pre-Colombian monuments by the Spaniards. You can see The Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world's largest pyramid topped by the Virgen de los Remedios church. |
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African Safari
This zoo offers the fascinating animal kingdom. It is located 17 km from Puebla by the road to Valsequillo. Founded in 1972, Africam Safari has around 3000 animals of 250 species. These animals live in complete liberty in a habitat that encourages development and reproduction. The park is divided into four sections: African, American International and a "tiger heaven" along with a children's zoo. It has a picnic section and a marina with rental of boats to enjoy Valsequillo lake where you can enjoy taking pictures, a souvenirs shop and a camel ride. In the children's zoo there are pony rides and a restaurant. |
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